Gimenez could stay when Soto returns

NEW YORK -- Catcher Geovany Soto began his rehab assignment on Friday, catching five innings for Triple-A Round Rock and going 0-for-2. Soto, who had surgery on his right knee at the end of Spring Training, is hoping to return right after the All-Star break.

Right now Robinson Chirinos and Chris Gimenez are sharing the catching duties. Chirinos is the No. 1 catcher, but that doesn't mean Gimenez will be cut loose when Soto returns, as manager Ron Washington said that Gimenez could fill a role as a right-handed-hitting first baseman and designated hitter. He can also play the outfield if needed.

"Gimenez can do a lot of different things," Washington said. "It's not automatic he is going to be the odd man out."

The Rangers are carrying two right-handed utility infielders -- Donnie Murphy and Adam Rosales. They have also been staying with struggling outfielder Michael Choice, who went into Saturday's game hitless in his last 14 at-bats and batting .173.

Washington said that sending Choice to the Minor Leagues hasn't been a topic of conversation.

"We are not at that point yet," he said. "We are going to keep running him out there and see if he can make the adjustments."